Over roughly fifteen years, George Russell has progressed from a promising karting talent to the team leader at Mercedes. His path features a steady climb: national and international kart titles, back‑to‑back championship wins in GP3 and Formula 2, and formative seasons with Williams. In 2022 he took his first Formula 1 victory with Mercedes; in 2024 he returned to the top step several times. By 2025, he had assumed clear responsibility at the front of a top team and added two more wins. The following overview traces this trajectory and evaluates his development through the 2025 season.
IMAGO / justpictures.ch / George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG Petronas (DEU) Mercedes-AMG W16 E Mercedes during the 2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, round 24 of the 2025 during the Formula 1 World Championship, WM
George William Russell was born on February 15, 1998, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England. He began karting at the age of seven and quickly won national series. In 2011 and 2012, he claimed the CIK‑FIA European Championship (Junior), marking him as one of the standout prospects of his generation. These results paved the way for his move into single‑seater racing.
At 16, Russell debuted in BRDC Formula 4 and secured the championship despite setbacks during the campaign. In parallel, he gained experience in Formula Renault 2.0 Alps. The title opened doors to higher‑level series.
IMAGO / DeFodi / Images of the Year 2024, Sports July 07 Sports Topics of the Week KW30 Sports Images of the Day 28.07.2024, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa-Francorchamps, Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2024, in the picture winner George Russell (GBR), Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team Defodi
Russell finished his 2015 rookie F3 season sixth overall, then improved to third with Hitech GP in 2016. In a tightly contested field, he built a reputation for consistent pace and strong qualifying.
In 2017, Russell moved to ART Grand Prix in GP3 and won the championship convincingly. He also joined the Mercedes junior program, gaining a clear development pathway toward Formula 1.
With ART Grand Prix in 2018, Russell stepped up to Formula 2, won seven races, and sealed the title as a rookie. The campaign served as a decisive credential for graduation to Formula 1.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / April 6, 2018 - Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain - GEORGE RUSSEL of Great Britain and Art Grand Prix during the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship practice session at Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Russell entered F1 with Williams in 2019 at a time when the team struggled at the back of the grid. Despite limited opportunities, he stood out for consistent qualifying performances, earning the “Mr. Saturday” moniker.
While Williams still sought performance, Russell received a short‑notice opportunity to race for Mercedes at the Sakhir Grand Prix. He led much of the race but was hampered by a pit error and a late tire issue. The drive nevertheless demonstrated his capacity to compete at the front.
IMAGO / HochZwei / Motorsports: FIA Formula One World Championship, WM, Weltmeisterschaft 2020, Grand Prix of Sakhir, 63 George Russell (GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team)
In 2021, Russell scored his first championship points with Williams and took a podium at the shortened Belgian Grand Prix. He cemented his status as a strong candidate for a top seat.
Replacing Valtteri Bottas alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2022, Russell scored regularly from the start, took his first pole position in Hungary, and won the São Paulo Grand Prix. In a challenging year for Mercedes, he impressed with consistency and execution.
IMAGO / HochZwei / George Russell (GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team), F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 13, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
With the new regulations still testing Mercedes, podiums were less frequent. Russell gathered solid points but was seldom in a position to fight for wins week to week.
In 2024, he returned to winning ways in Austria and at the Las Vegas night race. A post‑race disqualification in Belgium tempered the record but did not change the broader picture: on strong weekends, Russell could be decisive for race outcomes.
Following Hamilton’s departure, Russell assumed clear leadership at Mercedes in 2025. Rookie Kimi Antonelli made his debut alongside him. Russell steered development work and set the internal direction while the team worked to close the gap to the front.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Alessio De Marco George / Russell (GBR) Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team - Mercedes W16 - Mercedes E Performance during Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada 2025, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from Jun 12th to 15th - Round 10 of 24 of 2025 F1 World Championship, WM
McLaren and Red Bull set the pace, with the drivers’ title contested by Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix from pole and later the Singapore Grand Prix. With additional podiums and strong qualifying form, he finished fourth in the drivers’ standings, while Mercedes secured second in the constructors’ championship.
Russell fought close on‑track battles with Verstappen and McLaren’s Norris and Piastri. Against Hamilton, now with Ferrari, Russell usually came out ahead. Overall, 2025 reinforced his claim to be a race‑deciding factor when car and strategy align.
At 27, Russell is entering a phase where experience and speed converge. His contract runs at least through the end of 2026, and the new power‑unit regulations could reshuffle the competitive order. With leadership, qualifying pace, and racecraft, he has the components to contend for a title — provided Mercedes delivers a competitive package. His development from karting prospect to team leader suggests the next step is within reach.
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